The Steamboat Pilot & Today

another_local (anonymous)
February 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is a good idea. The commissioners should overcome their resistance to the source.

blackthroatedwind (anonymous)
February 24, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Look, I don't like Gary either, but c'mon, does it really have to be that big of a deal? Give him the stupid winches! Its a good idea. Sheesh!

Ms_E_Bronte (anonymous)
February 25, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wall justs need to provide the info the Commissioners have requested. What's the problem, Wall?

justathought (anonymous)
February 26, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One deputy to crawl under and hook someone up to pull, two deputies doing traffic control (any less is a law suit pure and simple), why not let the deputies do their own job and call a tow truck. Over the last twenty years I can't remember one instance where a statement was given by a deputy where having a winch on their vehicle would have helped any situation, let alone save lives. Ms_Bronte, you're right, when Wall learns that he isn't going to be catered to just because he's Wall and starts giving the commissioners facts and figures he might actually get something done besides wasting the commissioners time. What an egotistical jerk.

mfowler (anonymous)
February 28, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not believe the Sheriff is required to supply the Commissioners with what they are asking for – a policy on usage. A departmental policy can cause more issues than it appears to solve. For example if you state in the policy how the winch can be used then you open the door to liable if it is used in a manner not envisaged and, for example, property damage results. The best guideline for winch usage would be to follow the operator’s manual. Regarding it’s usage, a winch is not only just for pulling a vehicle out of the ditch- a task which is limited by physics due to no road anchors on the patrol vehicles (hence I do not believe that the winch’s will have any effect on tow company business). It is also useful for stabilizing a vehicle on a slope until more suitable equipment arrives, moving disables vehicles of the right of way for safety, lowering and raising emergency equipment and assisting patrol vehicles to negotiate rugged terrain. As we live in a rural area and, I believe, the SO patrols the forest area, there is always going to be the possibility of vehicles getting stuck. Having a winch would be would allow the deputy to solve his own problem without calling on other resources, and enhance his safety. There are other possible uses for them, some of which were described by a representative of the BLM who gave a presentation to the County Commissioners.
It would appear that the real hold up with the County Commissioners is that they do not like another ELECTED official telling them that they are exceeding their area of responsibility. On reading the Colorado Statutes it appears that the County Commissioners are responsible for meeting the budget requests for the Sheriff's Office. That is where their responsibility starts and stops. Sheriff Wall, whether you like it or not, was voted in by a majority and appears to be working on improving both the department’s resources and the services it offers to the community. The fact that for the first time in 12 years there is a Sheriff who actually has the spine/stubbornness/vision to attempt to do his job has definitely come as a shock to the County Commissioners. Of course if the filter you view the actions of this Sheriff through is so focused on the negative, then you will never agree with anything he does. I have watched the negative blogs for a while and am deeply disappointed in the lack of logic and knowledge of the responsibilities of local government that has been displayed by some of the vicious comments that have been written. How about some constructive comments with your name attached, not an anonymous name to hide behind. I might give you more credibility if you have the conviction to take ownership of you writings.